Q. I use the notch in the front of my circular saw’s baseplate to follow the line when I cut, yet my cuts are often wavy. What am I doing wrong?
A. The notch is a good way to line-up the blade initially, but once the cutting starts, most woodworkers guide the saw by watching the actual blade and line. Since right handed people stand to the left of the saw and the blade is usually on the right side of the saw, the view is blocked by the motor. This means leaning your head to the right, so you can see the blade, sighting through the little space near the front of the saw.
Just remember flying sawdust and safety.